MOUNT HOLLY - A former Lenape High School teacher admitted in Superior Court Wednesday that he recorded "upskirt" videos and took photos of female students last year in his classroom and the school's hallways.

Eric T. Howell, of the first block of Dogwood Court in Maple Shade, pleaded guilty to one count of endangering the welfare of a child in the second degree. Under the terms of an agreement with the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office, the 44-year-old will receive five years in New Jersey state prison when he is sentenced on June 20.

According to the prosecutor's office, Howell hid a camera in a coconut water box stashed in a mesh pocket on the side of his briefcase. He would unscrew the cap, walk by female students and carry his briefcase so the camera would point up their skirts or loose-fitting shorts.

He was caught after a person at the school saw him trying to position his briefcase under the skirt of a female student, and reported his behavior to school administrators on May 2, 2017. School officials then contacted Medford Township police, according to the prosecutor's office.

The chemistry teacher was suspended that day and later fired. He had worked at the school since 2016. Investigators said Howell did not share or upload the videos and recordings.